
108
Wed n e sday
September 25
The Baptism of Fire
Both the Old and New Testaments use a variety of symbols, such
as water, wind, and oil, to describe the work of the Holy Spirit. John
the Baptist links another image, that of fire, to the work of the Holy
Spirit (Matt. 3:11, Luke 3:16).
There are many who have misunderstood John’s statement. The
passage does not say, “ ‘He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit or
with fire’ ” (NKJV). It says, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit
and with fire.” The second expression, “ ‘and with fire,’ ” explains
the first expression, “the baptism of the Holy Spirit.” The baptism of
the Holy Spirit is the baptism of fire. The word baptism in the New
Testament is used 80 times and refers to total immersion.
Read
the following passages and describe what the symbolism of fire
represents in the Bible. Exod. 3:2–4; 24:17; 1 Kings 18:24; Mal.
3:2, 3; Acts 2:1–4; Heb. 12:29.
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The symbolism of fire is a symbol of the glory, presence, and power
of God manifest in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. To be baptized with
fire is to be immersed in the glory of God’s presence through the Holy
Spirit in order to witness in His power. Moses met God at the burn-
ing bush and then left the glory of His presence in order to witness to
Pharaoh. Elijah witnessed to Israel in the glory of God’s fiery pres-
ence on Mount Carmel. When tongues of fire fell on Pentecost, the
disciples witnessed in languages that they had never before known.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is immersion in the presence and
power of God in order that we can effectively witness of His glory.
Once again, in the last days of earth’s history, God’s people will be
immersed in His presence, filled with His power, and sent out to wit-
ness of His glory to the world.
The earth will be filled with the glory of God. “The earth will be
filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover
the sea” (Hab. 2:14, NKJV). In prophetic vision, John saw an angel
messenger descend from heaven and “the earth was illuminated with
his glory” (Rev. 18:1, NKJV).
God’s glory, His loving character, will be revealed through the
power of the Holy Spirit to a waiting world and a watching universe.
Every person on planet Earth will have the opportunity to both hear
and understand God’s last-day message.
God’s glory, His loving character, will be revealed to the world.
How can you, right now, in your own sphere, reveal that glory
in your life? What will that require on your part?